What Are Brown Spots on Skin?
Brown spots, also known as age spots or liver spots, are flat, brown or black patches that can appear anywhere on the skin. They range in size from a tiny freckle to larger than a coin. These spots are very common, especially in adults over 40 years old.
Causes of Brown Spots
Brown spots have a number of potential causes:
- Sun exposure - Years of exposure to ultraviolet light from the sun causes skin damage that can lead to brown spots.
- Aging - Liver spots tend to appear as we get older. Age spots are due to pigment-producing cells in the skin becoming grouped together.
- Hormonal changes - Fluctuating hormones in women during pregnancy or with the use of birth control pills can trigger overproduction of melanin, which causes brown skin spots.
- Genetics - Some people are just genetically predisposed to developing age spots.
- Skin injuries - Brown spots may form where the skin has been damaged from cuts, burns, bruises, or other trauma.
Where Are Brown Spots Found?
Some of the most common body parts for brown spots include:
- Face
- Hands
- Arms
- Shoulders
- Back
- Chest
Areas most exposed to the sun tend to develop more brown spots faster. Without sun protection, spots can appear on any part of the body over time.
What Do Brown Spots Look Like?
It's important to know your own skin very well and be aware of any new spots that appear or if existing ones change size, shape, or color. Use a mirror to examine everywhere, including your back, or have someone else help look.
Characteristics of Brown Spots
- Round or oval shape
- Flat against the skin, not raised or uneven
- Can be brown, black or slightly red/purple
- Sizes range from tiny dot to over an inch wide
- Often appear gradually over time
- Color and size can increase slowly
- Smooth border that is distinct from surrounding skin
Changes to Watch For
Look for spots that exhibit any of the following changes:
- Rapid increase in size of a spot
- Irregular shape of borders
- Multi-colored appearance
- Scaly, rough surface develops
- Bleeding, itching or oozing
- New swelling around or under the spot
- Pain or tenderness in the location
These kinds of changes could indicate a skin cancer or other medical condition requiring further evaluation.
Brown Spots Pictures and Images
It can be hard to determine what your particular brown skin spots mean just from a description. Pictures provide a useful reference to compare unusual spots on your body to normal age spots and sun spots others experience.
Face Brown Spots
The face is very prone to sun exposure and brown spots. Liver spots on the face are seen especially on the cheeks, forehead, near the eyes and around the mouth.
Facial spots tend to increase slowly over decades. Multiple evenly distributed light brown spots or freckles on the face are common with aging.
Hand Brown Spots
Hands receive frequent sun exposure, resulting in more pigmented areas on the skin over time. The back and sides of the hands commonly develop flat brown spots of varying sizes dotted around.
Individual small spots often merge into larger blotchy patches on older hands. The number and size of spots typically increases gradually each year.
Arm Brown Spots
Forearms and upper arms are common areas for sun damage spots. Years of sun bathing, outdoor activities, rolled up sleeves while driving, etc. contributes to considerable brown markings.
There is usually no specific pattern to the distribution of spots on the arms. Sizes, shapes and darkness varies widely among different people.
Back Brown Spots
The skin on the back, shoulders and chest is often exposed while wearing bathing suits and tanks tops outdoors. This leads to pocks of sun-induced skin damage.
Brown spots often appear scattered in these areas. The skin can take on a mottled appearance over time, with a range of different shades present.
Treatment for Brown Spots on Skin
There are a variety of possible treatment routes for dealing with stubborn brown spots if you want to remove or lighten them.
Topical Medications
Skin bleaching products containing ingredients like hydroquinone, glycolic acid, kojic acid and Vitamin C can help fade brown spots over time with consistent application.
Chemical Peels
In-office chemical peels use an acidic solution to peel off outer skin layers to reveal fresher-looking skin and diminish spots.
Laser Therapy
Laser skin resurfacing with focused beams of light vaporizes the top layer of skin to remove damaged areas and trigger new collagen production for smoother skin and reduced spots.
Dermabrasion
This technique uses a rotating brush, abrasive wand or laser to remove the uppermost skin layers. As the treated area heals, new skin grows with fewer imperfections.
Cryotherapy
Some brown spots can be frozen off using liquid nitrogen. This destroys the extra pigment producing cells responsible for discoloration.
Discuss all treatment options thoroughly with your dermatologist to decide the best solution for your needs, budget and lifestyle.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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